(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association’s annual review of vehicle owner’s manuals and warranty statements indicates that E15 is explicitly approved by the manufacturer for use in approximately 95 percent of model year 2024 cars and light trucks. “RFA has worked diligently with
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
Back TO HOMEUS Rules Could Force Early Production Halt to Some Gas Vehicles -Letter
by David Shepardson (Reuters) A group representing major automakers urged the Biden administration to make significant changes to three proposed vehicle rules, warning they could force car companies to hastily stop building some gas-powered vehicles. The administration has proposed, among others, stringent
December 18, 2023 Read Full Article
States Oppose EPA's E15 March Proposal: Iowa, Nebraska Ask Court to Require EPA to Finalize E15 Rule Before March
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The states of Iowa and Nebraska asked a federal court on Wednesday to require EPA to "promptly" finalize a rule to allow permanent, year-round E15 sales in eight states, rejecting the agency's proposed plan to
December 15, 2023 Read Full Article
RFA Welcomes Recognition of GREET Model in SAF Tax Credit Guidance
(Renewable Fuels Association) The U.S. Treasury Department today released guidance regarding the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit. The guidance clarifies that a soon-to-be-updated version of the Department of Energy’s GREET model will be among the methodologies used
December 15, 2023 Read Full Article
US EPA Must Do More to Ensure Captured Carbon Stays Underground -Report
by Leah Douglas (Reuters) The U.S. environment regulator does not sufficiently verify that carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects keep emissions trapped underground and should boost its requirements to ensure companies receiving CCS tax credits provide an actual environmental benefit, a watchdog group
December 14, 2023 Read Full Article
U.S. Department of Energy Announces Clean Energy Achievements at COP28
(U.S. Department of Energy) This week, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy David M. Turk traveled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), where he led the U.S.
December 12, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Industrial Microbes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) iMicrobes designs and builds microorganisms, including industrial strains of bacteria and yeast to produce chemicals from natural gas and carbon dioxide. Their green, bio-based methods are “more cost effective than sugar or oil, helping to make
December 11, 2023 Read Full Article
Fire! Open Letter to US Treasury, Energy Secretaries on Addressing the Threat of Forest Fire via the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Which brings us to the forest, because once we have stopped by the commodity exchanges where oilseeds, grains, and waste fats and oils are priced and traded, we discover right away that commodity prices are
December 11, 2023 Read Full Article
New Renewable Fuel Standard Volume Targets Facilitate Renewable Natural Gas Production
by Jonathan Inbal and Stephen York (U.S. Energy Information Administration) On June 21, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule that established biofuel volume requirements and standards for cellulosic biofuel for 2023–25 as part of the Renewable Fuel
December 11, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden Administration Issues Rule to Cut Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas
by Rachel Frazin (The Hill) The Biden administration on Saturday announced new regulations that are expected to deliver significant cuts to the greenhouse gas methane in the oil and gas sector. The rule, finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), tees up
December 08, 2023 Read Full Article
Senators Call for Stronger EPA Regulation for Heavy Duty Vehicles
by Taylor Ekbatani (School Transportation News) U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) are calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to finalize the strongest possible Phase 3 heavy-duty vehicle emissions rule by next year. “Now, we are here today
December 07, 2023 Read Full Article
House Passes Walberg Bill to Protect Automobile Choice
(Office of Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI 5th)) Today (December 6, 2023), the House passed the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act with bipartisan support by a vote of 221-197. The legislation, introduced by Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) and Andrew Clyde
December 07, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden Threatens Veto if Congress Moves to Hamper EPA Requirements
by Brady Knox (Washington Examiner) President Joe Biden threatened to use his veto powers if Congress moved to hamper his administration's move to institute stricter environmental regulations. The Choice in Automobile Retail Sales, or CARS, Act is set to be voted on in the coming week.
December 05, 2023 Read Full Article
House Sets Vote on Bill to Block EPA Tailpipe Rules
by Mike Lee (E&E Daily) It's part of Republicans' efforts to block the Biden administration's plans to boost electric vehicles. -- The House will take up legislation this week to block the Biden administration’s clean car plan, which critics say would drive
December 04, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Draft of the National Strategy to Reduce U.S. Food Loss and Waste PUBLIC COMMENTS DEADLINE January 3, 2024
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) USDA, EPA and FDA release draft strategy to prevent the loss and waste of food and increase recycling of organics to support a circular economy for all, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save households and businesses money, and
December 02, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the Role of Biomass in Forest Management
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Tule River Indian Reservation is 56,000 acres serving about 2,000 members drawn from Yokuts, Pauite, Mono, Tubatulabal tribes. Found on the foothills and western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, land uses include forestry, cattle ranching, and
December 01, 2023 Read Full Article
Congress Watches from Sidelines as Courts Set Ethanol Policy
by Marc Heller (Politico Pro E&E Daily) In the wake of another court ruling on the renewable fuel standard, there's scant sign lawmakers can pass meaningful changes. -- After a federal court ruled last week that small petroleum refiners should be given
November 30, 2023 Read Full Article
American Drivers Have Logged 90 Billion Miles on UNL88 (E15)
(Growth Energy) AAA projects that more than 49 million Americans will hit the road and drive more than 50 miles from their homes for Thanksgiving this week. That’s a lot of miles traveled, and a lot of stops at the gas station to
November 28, 2023 Read Full Article
Action Allowing Year-Round Sales of E15 in the US Could Be Near: Trade Group
by Kate Winston (S&P Global) December deadline looming in lawsuit; Spending bill could be vehicle in 2024 -- In the next few months, legislative or legal proceedings could set the stage to allow year-round sales of a gasoline blend containing 15% ethanol
November 27, 2023 Read Full Article
White House Stalls Ethanol Expansion in Midwest Amid Price Concerns
by Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The White House is stalling action on requests by Farm Belt states to allow regional sales of gasoline blended with higher volumes of ethanol after oil industry warnings that the move could cause regional
November 27, 2023 Read Full Article
You Can’t Put a RIN in Your Gas Tank
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) ... When an obligated party such as a refiner turns in their report card to EPA to show they met the requirements of the RFS, the “currency of compliance” is a RIN. Every
November 27, 2023 Read Full Article
Fulcrum Bioenergy, Aiming to Produce ‘Net-Zero’ Jet Fuel From Plastic Waste, Hits Heavy Turbulence
by James Bruggers (Inside Climate News) The California company has defaulted on $289 million in Nevada bonds and put $500 million in financing for a facility in Indiana on hold. Meanwhile, U.S. senators don’t want tax credits financing plastics-to-jet-fuel schemes. -- Six
November 25, 2023 Read Full Article
US Court Rejects EPA's Decision to Withhold Small Refinery Biofuel Waivers
by Heather Timmons (Reuters) A U.S. appeals court on Wednesday said it struck down the Biden administration's decision to deny small refiners "hardship waivers" that exempt them from nation's biofuel mandates, in a win for the refining industry. In July, the Environmental
November 24, 2023 Read Full Article
The Renewable Fuel Standard Shattered the “Blend Wall” for Ethanol
by Scott Richman (Renewable Fuels Association) ... But no one really talks about the “blend wall” anymore. Why? Because ethanol’s blend rate has exceeded 10.0% every year since 2016 and hit a record 10.38% in 2022, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information
November 22, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Invests $444 Million to Strengthen America’s Infrastructure for Permanent Safe Storage of Carbon Dioxide Pollution
(U.S. Department of Energy) Funding from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda Supports Projects Across Twelve States to Slash Harmful CO2 Emissions and Deliver High-Quality Local Jobs -- As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
November 21, 2023 Read Full Article
Conestoga to Host SAFFiRE Cellulosic Ethanol Pilot Plant
(Saffire Renewables/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Conestoga Energy and SAFFiRE Renewables LLC announced today their agreement for Conestoga to host SAFFiRE’s cellulosic ethanol pilot plant at Conestoga’s Arkalon Energy ethanol facility in Liberal, Kansas. The SAFFiRE pilot project aims to validate and demonstrate
November 21, 2023 Read Full Article
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Sheetz Offering Gas for under $2 per Gallon to Travelers this Thanksgiving
by Asher Notheis (Washington Examiner) One of the most popular gas station chains in the United States is offering a steep discount on its gas for the week of Thanksgiving, providing some financial relief to those traveling for the holiday. Sheetz will be offering its
November 21, 2023 Read Full Article
Feature: US RINs Complex under Pressure while Renewable Diesel Helps RVO Mandates
by Phillip Herring and Melvin Lee (S&P Global) D4 RINs drop 53.4% in 2023; D4 biomass-based biodiesel production surpasses RVO mandate; BOHO near 2023 lows -- US D4 Renewable Identification Numbers have plummeted 53.4% in 2023 while helping to meet the renewable volume obligation
November 21, 2023 Read Full Article
New Coalition Urges EPA to Advance Electricity Pathway under Renewable Fuels Program
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico Pro) “We share the common goals of reducing emissions, capturing waste, and decarbonizing transportation while growing the American workforce,” the groups wrote Monday in a letter. -- More than 20 companies and groups are joining forces Monday through
November 21, 2023 Read Full Article
USDA-APHIS Determines that Yield10 Bioscience’s Stacked Herbicide Tolerant Camelina May Be Planted and Bred in the United States
(Yield10) -Herbicide Technology Critical to Enabling Large-Acreage Adoption of Camelina in North America -- Yield10 Bioscience, Inc. (Nasdaq:YTEN) (“Yield10” or the “Company”), an agricultural bioscience company, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service’s (“USDA-APHIS’s”) Biotechnology Regulatory Services (“BRS”)
November 15, 2023 Read Full Article
Iowa Farmers Learn about Anaerobic Digestion at Conference Presentations Available
(Solutions from the Land) Farmers looking to add economic and environmental value to their operations may find an ally in anaerobic digestion. This week, Nov. 6-8, the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and EPA Region 7 came together to co-host the Anaerobic
November 09, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IRA, everyone has heard about it — what does it mean? The IRA has been billed as the largest clean energy infrastructure investment in United States history. It allotted $370B to the development and promotion of
November 09, 2023 Read Full Article
Harvestone Celebrates Vision Carbon ZERO at Blue Flint Facility
(Harvestone) Harvestone announced today the commencement of carbon dioxide (CO2) injection as a part of its carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at the Blue Flint Ethanol facility near Underwood, North Dakota. The Blue Flint facility began active CO2 injection in October after receiving final approval
November 07, 2023 Read Full Article
USDA Forest Service Proposes Rule to Facilitate Carbon Capture and Sequestration Permitting on National Forest Lands Public Comment DEADLINE January 2, 2024
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service today announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would allow the agency to consider proposals for potential carbon capture and sequestration projects on national forests and grasslands. This proposal
November 07, 2023 Read Full Article
The Missing Equations at ExxonMobil’s Advanced Recycling Operation
by James Bruggers (Inside Climate News) The petrochemical giant promotes its new Baytown facility near Houston as a model for solving the world’s glut of used plastic. But ExxonMobil won’t say how much goes into making new plastic—or ends up burned
November 06, 2023 Read Full Article
Ernst Says Lawmakers Need to Act on E15 Legislation
by Brent Barnett (Brownfield Ag News) A U.S. Senator from Iowa says higher ethanol blends like E15 need to be a part of the solution to help lower emissions. Republican Joni Ernst tells Brownfield electric vehicles aren’t the only answer. “Very, very
November 02, 2023 Read Full Article
House Biofuels Caucus Introduces GREET Act
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) House Biofuels Caucus Co-chairs Dusty Johnson (R-SD) Adrian Smith (R-NE), Angie Craig (D-MN), and Mark Pocan (D-WI) this week introduced the Adopt Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency
November 02, 2023 Read Full Article
INSIGHT: 16 US States May Restrict Sale of Combustion-Based Autos
by Al Greenwood (Independent Commodity Interlligence Services) Several US states could adopt restrictions on the sale of light vehicles that rely primarily on internal combustion engines (ICE), which would lower demand for liquid fuels while increasing demand for plastics and chemicals
October 27, 2023 Read Full Article
Toyota Chairman Says People Are Finally Seeing the Reality about EVs
by River Davis (Wall Street Journal) Akio Toyoda’s comments come amid cooling U.S. demand and a price war with China -- Toyota Motor Chairman Akio Toyoda, when asked about electric-vehicle challenges including a recent lull in U.S. demand, said the industry was coming to
October 26, 2023 Read Full Article
New EPA Reports Include Food Recovery Hierarchy Replacement — And Great Methane Data
(BioCycle Magazine) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released two reports on October 19 updating recommendations for managing wasted food and quantifying methane emissions from landfilled food waste. From Field to Bin: The Environmental Impacts of U.S. Food Waste Management Pathways (Part 2) examines
October 25, 2023 Read Full Article
Pivoting Ethanol Industry to Stay Relevant
by Tom C. Doran (AgriNews) ... Illinois Corn recently hosted a series of meetings and a webinar that addressed “the crossroads of carbon and corn.” The theme focused on the importance of reducing the carbon footprint that would create new market opportunities
October 25, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA Announces Winners of the 2023 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the winners of the 2023 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards for new and innovative green chemistry technologies. Through the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation and
October 23, 2023 Read Full Article
When It All Matters
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In August, the American Coalition for Ethanol held its 36th Annual Conference, themed “Everything Counts,” featuring speakers covering topics ranging from selling higher blends of ethanol to export markets and decarbonization. Members of ACE leadership, Dave
October 20, 2023 Read Full Article
Manchin, Colleagues Introduce Legislation Pushing Back on Biden Admin's Electric Vehicle Mandate
(Office of Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) and 28 of his Senate colleagues introduced the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act to counter the Biden Administration’s radical environmental agenda and executive overreach by preventing the implementation of a
October 20, 2023 Read Full Article
Do EVs Reduce NOx or PM Emissions More than Combustion Engine Vehicles? The Answer May Surprise You.
by Gary Yowell (Stillwater Associates) From the 1990s to the present day, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have maintained that EVs have lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions than internal
October 19, 2023 Read Full Article
US Says Lead Emissions from Small Piston-Engine Aircraft Pose Public Health Danger
by David Shepardson (Reuters) The U.S Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday issued a final determination declaring that emissions from aircraft that use leaded fuel pose a danger to public health, following years of study. Commercial aircraft use jet fuel, which does not contain
October 18, 2023 Read Full Article
Arkansas, Oklahoma Push Delay for E15 Petition
by Chris Knight (Argus Media) Arkansas and Oklahoma have joined an oil industry effort to delay beyond 2024 a gasoline reformulation that eight Midwestern states have requested to preserve year-round sales of 15pc ethanol gasoline (E15). Unless the fuel specification change is
October 18, 2023 Read Full Article
Sen. Klobuchar Tours Guardian Energy; Introduces GREET Legislation
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Sen. Amy Klobuchar toured Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association Producer Member, Guardian Energy, in Janesville on Oct 14 to reiterate her support for Minnesota’s ethanol industry and discuss her work to lift outdated restrictions on the summertime sale of E15. “It
October 18, 2023 Read Full Article
Automakers Blast US Plan to Hike Fuel Efficiency Rules
by David Shepardson (Reuters) A group representing General Motors (GM.N), Toyota Motor (7203.T), Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) and nearly all other major automakers on Monday sharply criticized the Biden administration proposal to drastically hike fuel efficiency requirements. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's
October 18, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA Announces Selection of Charter Members to the Science Advisory Board and the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced his selections for membership of the Science Advisory Board (SAB) and Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC). The well-qualified experts selected by Administrator Regan bring a cross-selection
October 17, 2023 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- Renewable Fuels Association, National Farmers Union and National Corn Growers Association
Given vehicles’ long useful life, EPA and NHTSA should not wait for a crisis to incentivize FFVs (flex fuel vehicles). It will be too late to act if they are suddenly needed to address a crisis. Instead, the country should
October 17, 2023 Read Full Article
ACE Urges NHTSA to Develop a More Technology-Neutral Approach to Meet Fuel Economy Standards
(American Coalition for Ethanol) American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings submitted feedback to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today on its proposed rulemaking for Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks for Model
October 17, 2023 Read Full Article
E15 Sales Surged This Summer but Remain Threatened by Obsolete Restrictions
by Scott Richman (Renewable Fuels Association) Sales of E15, a gasoline blend containing 15 percent ethanol, surged this summer (June-August) compared to the same period in 2022, according to a new Renewable Fuels Association analysis. RFA examined data from the Minnesota Department of Commerce,
October 13, 2023 Read Full Article
ACE Promotes HBIIP And E15 Compatibility At 2023 Fuel Market Trade Shows
(American Coalition for Ethanol) The American Coalition for Ethanol is rounding out its 2023 petroleum marketer trade show season at the National Association of Convenience Stores show, Oct. 3-6 in Atlanta, Georgia. The event is the world's largest annual gathering of
October 11, 2023 Read Full Article
Preserving California's Emissions Reduction Goals: Stay the Course on Methane Reductions from the LCFS
by Sam Wade (Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas) As California continues efforts to reach its ambitious climate goals, the California Air Resources Board faces a pivotal decision that could profoundly impact the state's climate progress. CARB is currently updating the
October 06, 2023 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Will Be on Full Display at Iowa Speedway
by Riley Smith (KXEL) Yesterday (October 3, 2023)’s announcement from NASCAR is obviously huge news for the state as far as entertainment and recreation is concerned. The race will be a huge boon for the local economies, as it could
October 06, 2023 Read Full Article
Louisiana Decision Support Tool
(Carbon Action Alliance) Explore the social and environmental factors considered for building carbon management projects in Louisiana. -- This StoryMap contains the Louisiana Decision Support Tool for carbon management (Decision Support Tool). The Decision Support Tool is a public resource that includes
October 03, 2023 Read Full Article
New Issue Brief on Next Generation Fuels Act
(Clean Fuels Development Coalition) CFDC has produced an Issue Brief clearly explaining the provisions of the Next Gen legislation and makes a compelling case for its passage. The new brief, the latest in CFDC’s highly successful Issue Brief and White Paper series,
October 02, 2023 Read Full Article
D4 RINs Collapse in 2023, Driving own prices in entire RINs complex
by Phillip Herring and Melvin Lee (S&P Global) D4 RINs drop 44.5% in 2023; Renewable biodiesel production ramps up; BOHO nearing 2023 lows -- D4 Renewable Identification Numbers have plummeted 44.5% so far in 2023 due to an uptick in renewable diesel production
September 29, 2023 Read Full Article
NCGA Launches Advocacy Campaign Calling on Feds to Establish Level Playing Field for Biofuels Public Comment DEADLINE: October 16, 2023
(National Corn Growers Association) The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) this week launched a grassroots advocacy campaign to encourage the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to provide a level playing field for biofuels such as ethanol. The organization is calling on corn growers and
September 28, 2023 Read Full Article
How Carbon Stored Underground Could Find Its Way Back into the Atmosphere
by Terry L. Jones and Pam Radtke (Floodlight/Louisiana Illuminator) ... But like a game of whack-a-mole, there’s a chance the planet-warming emissions could seep back up into the atmosphere after they are injected underground. How? Through any one of the thousands of abandoned
September 27, 2023 Read Full Article
Gasbuddy: Year-Round E15 Can Help Lower Prices
by Brent Barnett (Brownfield Ag News) A fuel market expert says permanent year-round sales of E15 could help reduce gas prices across the country. Patrick De Haan is head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “Just kind of giving the market assurance that
September 27, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA Adviser Expects E15 Rule This Year
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) EPA Official Discusses E15, ESA Pesticide Challenges and PFAS Contamination -- Rod Snyder, senior adviser for agriculture at EPA, said Monday that the agency is on course to finalize a rule allowing permanent sales of E15
September 27, 2023 Read Full Article
Ethanol Still Makes Sense for Climate, Rural Communities
(Solutions from the Land) ... Renewable corn energy seems a no-brainer compared to nonrenewable petroleum-based gasoline. Oil does not—and cannot—foster life like agriculture. And once oil is gone, it’s gone. But a working group of the EPA’s Science Advisory Board (SAB) is
September 26, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA Official Highlights Agency’s Biofuels Support
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) EPA’s Senior Advisor for Agriculture Rod Snyder talked about the agency’s commitment to biofuels and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) during an appearance Monday at the Ag Outlook Forum in Kansas City. “In June, EPA finalized the largest renewable volume
September 26, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden Administration to Put $4.6 Billion toward State and Local Climate Plans DEADLINES February 1, 2024 and March 1, 2024
by Rachel Frazin (The Hill) The Biden administration announced Wednesday that it will make $4.6 billion available to help states, localities and tribes implement their climate plans. The funds represent the bulk of a $5 billion effort under the Inflation Reduction Act
September 25, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA Calls for Nominations for 2024 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards DEADLINE December 8, 2023
by Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton (Bergeson & Campbell) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on September 8, 2023, that it is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards from companies or institutions that have developed a new green
September 25, 2023 Read Full Article
Todd's Take: Has the Case for Ethanol Come Full Circle?
by Todd Hultman (DTN Progressive Farmer) ... The same day President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 into law, spot corn was trading near $4.39 a bushel and crude oil was near $91 a barrel, not far
September 25, 2023 Read Full Article
Feenstra: Combating President Biden’s Electric Vehicle Mandates -- President Biden Refuses to Accept the Facts. 95% of Cars on the Road Today Run on Liquid Fuel and Are Significantly More Affordable and Reliable than Electric Vehicles.
by Randy Feenstra (Congressman (R-IA 4th District)/The Iowa Torch) ... There is no clearer example of his executive overreach than his hasty and costly push to electrify every car and truck in the United States. At his direction, he has called on
September 22, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA: 1 New SRE Petition Filed, 3 SRE Petitions Now Pending
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Sept. 21 released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data, reporting that one new SRE petition has been filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard over the past month. Three SRE petitions are
September 22, 2023 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog -- RFA Chief: EPA Science Board Using Bad Data to Question Corn Ethanol Emissions
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) As the EPA's Science Advisory Board meets Thursday and Friday, the ethanol industry is continuing to push back on the board's claim that there are "minimal or no climate benefits" in using corn ethanol in
September 22, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden Launches American Climate Corps
by Robin Bravender (Politico Pro Greenwire) A government program aimed at putting young people to work on climate has been on President Joe Biden’s wish list for years. -- President Joe Biden is launching a new federal program that aims to put
September 21, 2023 Read Full Article
It’s Time For Flex Fuel Fairness
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In 2014, nine major auto manufacturers produced and sold more than 2.8 million flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) capable of running on fuel with up to 85 percent ethanol (E85). In fact, one out of
September 21, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of $4.6 Billion in Competitive Grants to Cut Climate Pollution as Part of Investing in America Agenda DEADLINE April 1 and May 1, 2024
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched $4.6 billion in competitive grants to fund state, local, and Tribal programs and policies that cut climate pollution, advance environmental justice, and deploy clean energy solutions across the country. As
September 20, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA Agrees to RFS Enforcement Improvements in Response to OIG
(Inside EPA) EPA has agreed to a series of steps to improve its internal safeguards against fraud in the renewable fuel standard (RFS) compliance credit program, following a report from its Office of Inspector General (OIG) that found several deficiencies that
September 20, 2023 Read Full Article
Lawsuits Initiated Against EPA on the Renewable Fuels Standard, Despite Rising Energy Prices
by Michelle Rook (AgWeb) Environmental and fossil fuel organizations have launched a series of lawsuits against the RFS which establish annual volume targets for various renewable fuels for 2023 through 2025. Nine cases have been consolidated in the D.C. Circuit
September 19, 2023 Read Full Article
Ethanol, Biofuels Drive Farm Progress Show Conversation
(Agri-News) During the Farm Progress Show, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski of central and southern Illinois stood alongside farmers and biofuels experts to confirm ethanol’s role in lowering carbon and supporting rural economies. The congresswoman in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District joined a panel of
September 18, 2023 Read Full Article
D.C. Circuit Raises Tough Questions for Critics of EPA’s Auto GHG Rule
(Inside EPA) Liquid fuels groups and Republican state officials appeared to face tough questioning from appellate judges during Sept. 14 oral arguments in their case challenging EPA’s latest round of vehicle greenhouse gas standards, including whether the rule illegally “mandates” greater
September 15, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA Seeks Applicants for 2023 Environmental Education Grants DEADLINE November 8, 2023
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that up to $3.6 million in funding for locally-focused environmental education grants is now available under the 2023 Environmental Education (EE) Local Grant Program. EPA will award grants in each of EPA’s
September 15, 2023 Read Full Article
Truck-Makers Oppose EPA Tailpipe Plan Despite Public Pledges
by Mike Lee (E&E News Climatewire) The EPA rules would apply to trucks built in model years 2027 through 2032, and it requires companies to steadily reduce their emissions. -- Truck manufacturers have been working to weaken EPA’s greenhouse gas regulations on
September 12, 2023 Read Full Article
Development Capital – the Lifeblood of Every New Initiative Is Much Too Hard to Obtain
by CJ Evans (American Diversified Enterprises/ Alternative Fuels & Chemicals coalition/Biofuels Digest) ... First, every project being developed – every one that is needed to mitigate the climate crisis – only can advance with infusions, sometimes large infusions, of development capital. For example, a typical $1
September 12, 2023 Read Full Article
Auto Week at D.C. Circuit Raises ‘Major Questions’ for EPA
by Lesley Clark (E&E News Climatewire) A powerful federal appeals court will hear arguments this week in three challenges to the Biden administration’s efforts to curb the largest source of planet-warming pollution in the United States — and the battles have
September 11, 2023 Read Full Article
As EPA Drowns in CCS Applications, Oil States Want to Take Control
by Jean Chemnick (Politico Pro Climatewire) The agency has seen a large increase in the number of companies that want to bury carbon dioxide. But it has only approved two permits. -- EPA is buried under a mountain of permit applications from
September 08, 2023 Read Full Article
Minnesota EV Mandate Lawsuit on Hold
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Federal Judge Stays Minnesota Lawsuit Challenging State's EV Mandate -- A federal judge in Minnesota has stayed an ongoing lawsuit to prevent the state from adopting California's electric-vehicle mandate as a similar case continues in a
September 06, 2023 Read Full Article
Democrats Ask EPA to Mandate More Zero-Emission Trucks The Lawmakers Want Federal Standards to Match California Mandates.
by Camille Von Kaenel (E&E Daily) Dozens of Democrats on Monday asked EPA to tighten its sales requirements for zero-emission trucks. The request from Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and others is aimed
September 06, 2023 Read Full Article
Trump Vows to End ‘Madness’ of EV Push
by Lauren Sforza (The Hill) Former President Trump is vowing to end the “madness” of the Biden administration’s push for electric vehicles — a likely appeal to voters in the swing state of Michigan. In a pair of Truth Social posts Monday evening, Trump
September 06, 2023 Read Full Article
Vilsack Defends Administration’s Ethanol Policy and Climate-Smart Programs
by Riley Smith (Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network) Today (August 30, 2023), at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack defended the Biden Administration’s approach to supporting family farmers and the biofuels industry. Vilsack touted the department’s Climate
August 31, 2023 Read Full Article
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts Highlights Flex Fuel Fairness Bill during Nebraska Event
by Jake Anderson and Alex McLoon (KETV) Sen. Pete Ricketts is shedding light on alternatives to gas other than battery electric vehicles with his Flex Fuel Fairness Act. The bipartisan bill gives credits to automakers for producing vehicles that reduce carbon output. "One
August 29, 2023 Read Full Article
Ethanol Is Turning Down the Heat on Labor Day Gasoline Prices
by Scott Richman (Renewable Fuels Association) Holiday Travelers Expected to Save $155 Million Thanks to Ethanol - As temperatures have heated up this summer, so have gasoline prices. Regular unleaded gasoline rose to $3.87 per gallon during the week ending August 21—the
August 29, 2023 Read Full Article
U.S. Should Expand and Standardize Plastics Collection and Recycling, Study Potential Uses in Infrastructure, Says New Report
(National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, Medicine) It is in society’s economic and environmental interests to expand and standardize plastics waste collection, increase recycling, and explore new applications for plastics waste in infrastructure, says new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and
August 28, 2023 Read Full Article
Refiners Drop Suit over RFS Compliance Schedule
(Inside EPA) Small refiners have abandoned their lawsuit against EPA’s revised timeline for compliance with renewable fuel standard (RFS) biofuel blending volumes, following their loss in a closely related case that addressed many of the same arguments over the allegedly compressed
August 25, 2023 Read Full Article
RFA Thanks Sheetz for Summer-Ending E15 Price Promotion
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association welcomed news from popular fuel retailer Sheetz that it is slashing prices on the lower-carbon E15 fuel blend through the end of August. This move provides cost savings for drivers facing high pump prices
August 25, 2023 Read Full Article
RFA Blasts EPA Science Advisory Board for ‘Specious’ Report on Corn Ethanol and Carbon Emissions
(Renewable Fuels Association) In a letter today to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan, the Renewable Fuels Association blasted EPA’s Science Advisory Board (SAB) for its recent report making “specious” and unfounded claims about corn ethanol’s impact on greenhouse gas emissions. In a
August 25, 2023 Read Full Article
Low-Carbon Corn Could Yield Serious Cash for No-Tillers
by Dan Crummett (No-Till Farmer) An upcoming tax credit for ethanol producers could translate to payments to no-tillers who document their practices & verify carbon intensity scores No-Tillers who are growing corn have an excellent opportunity to cash in on government demands
August 22, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA Advisory Board to Discuss Draft Commentary on RFS ‘Set’ Rule
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA’s Science Advisory Board is scheduled to discuss draft commentary on the agency’s recently finalized Renewable Fuel Standard “set” rule during a public meeting scheduled to be held Sept. 21-22 in Washington, D.C. The
August 22, 2023 Read Full Article
MN Biofuels Industry Pushes for Year-round E-15
by Tim Matthews (KRWC1360) ... Brian Werner of the Minnesota Biofuels Association says two dozen renewable fuel and corn organizations recently sent a letter to federal officials with specific requests. A coalition led by Midwest governors is urging federal officials to approve
August 21, 2023 Read Full Article
Biofuels Groups, Refiners Spar Over Legality Of 2020-2022 RFS Volumes
(Inside EPA) Biofuels groups and refiners are sparring over the legality of EPA’s biofuel blending volumes for 2020 through 2022 under the renewable fuel standard (RFS), after criticizing other aspects of EPA’s volumes rule, as biofuels groups seek to maximize volumes
August 21, 2023 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Files Intervenor Brief in Support of EPA against Latest RFS Challenge
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuels trade association, filed a motion to intervene today in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) v. EPA et al. (Case No. 23-1277). CBD is
August 18, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA’s 3.5% Solution
by Paul Winters (Clean Fuels Alliance America/Biobased Diesel Daily) Buried in the Renewable Fuel Standards for 2023, 2024 and 2025, as finalized in June, is an unexpected change to the obligated fuel volume calculations. The change has the same effect as
August 15, 2023 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program Compliance; Notification of Webinar --- September 7, 2023 --- ONLINE
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) EPA is hosting a public webinar to discuss the implementation of the new regulatory provisions promulgated as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) final rule for 2023–2025 (the “Set Rule”).[1] These regulatory provisions include updated
August 15, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA Opens $20 Billion in Grant Competitions to Create National Clean-Financing Network
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) U.S. EPA launched two notice-of-funding opportunities (NOFOs) for $20 billion across two grant competitions under the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, an Inflation Reduction Act program. These competitive grant opportunities will mobilize private capital into clean-technology projects. “The
August 14, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA’s Latest RFS Rule Perpetuates Disadvantages to Biodiesel
by Joe Jobe (Sustainable Advanced Biofuel Refiners Coalition/Biobased Diesel Daily) The agency has acknowledged it uses a flawed equivalence value for renewable diesel fuels, but the final rule reaffirms this faulty modeling that credits fossil-fuel greenhouse-gas emissions and results in higher
August 09, 2023 Read Full Article
American Farmland Trust, Sierra View Solutions Release Report on Carbon Market Programs
(American Farmland Trust/Morning Ag Clips) The world needs agriculture to reduce emissions to avoid the worst effects of climate change, farmers need carbon market programs to work for farming -- Carbon market programs could be key to emission reductions, but agricultural carbon
August 09, 2023 Read Full Article
Protecting the Future of Low-Carbon Aviation
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Launched in 2021, the Biden administration’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge aims to produce enough low-carbon jet fuel to slash aviation emissions in half by 2050. Thanks to new incentives created by the Inflation Reduction Act,
August 08, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA Is Ignoring the Glaring Problem with Dirty Electric Vehicles
by Benjamin Zycher (American Enterprise Institute/The Hill) The Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) has launched a new regulatory effort to force a massive transportation shift to electric vehicles (EVs) with its proposed “multi-pollutant emissions standards” for light- and medium-duty vehicles beginning with model
August 08, 2023 Read Full Article
The EPA Pushes Electric Cars, but They Won't Be a Majority for Years
(Scripps News/ABC10News) Even with tighter proposed emission standards and a broad push for EVs, most cars on U.S. roads will still be gasoline-powered in 2030. -- ... But new analysis suggests it's not likely to happen as quickly as expected — combustion engines
August 08, 2023 Read Full Article
Iowa AG Brenna Bird Sues EPA over Ethanol Rules, Saying It 'Dragged Its Feet' on E-15 Sales
by Galen Bacharier (Des Moines Register) Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is suing the Environmental Protection Agency, as Iowa and Nebraska try to force the agency to issue final rules allowing the year-round sale of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol. The Republican
August 08, 2023 Read Full Article
The EPA’s Ambitious Plan to Cut Auto Emissions to Slow Climate Change Runs into Skepticism
by Tom Krisher (Associated Press) The U.S. government’s most ambitious plan ever to slash planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from passenger vehicles faces skepticism both about how realistic it is and whether it goes far enough. The Environmental Protection Agency in April announced
August 07, 2023 Read Full Article
Case Study on ASTM Standards: Biodiesel Fuel Blends
(ASTM International/Biobased Diesel Daily) As part of its 125th anniversary celebration, ASTM International invited case-study submissions from committee members around the world, highlighting standards that have made a significant impact in society—and that have bettered the world around us. Numerous exceptional
August 04, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Proposes to Improve Air Pollution Emissions Data Public Comment DEADLINE October 18, 2023 Public Hearing August 30
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced proposed updates to the Agency’s Air Emissions Reporting Requirements rule, including proposing to require reporting of hazardous air pollutants, or “air toxics.” Air toxics are known or suspected to cause cancer
August 04, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of $115 Million in Grants to Cut Harmful Diesel Engine Emissions DEADLINE December 1, 2023
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Grant funding prioritized for areas already overburdened by air pollution -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $115 million in grant funding for projects that cut harmful pollution from the nation’s existing fleet
August 02, 2023 Read Full Article
Yield10 Bioscience Announces Positive Results in the First Field Test of Stacked Herbicide Tolerance Traits in Camelina, Supporting Large Acreage Production of Low-carbon Intensity Feedstock Oil for the Biofuel Market
(Yield10 Bioscience) Findings demonstrate a key advancement in the development of proprietary Camelina varieties tolerant to application of broadleaf weed control as well as to Group 2 soil residual herbicide chemistries; Yield10 RSR filing pending under USDA-APHIS’s SECURE Rule for stacked herbicide tolerant Camelina Yield10 Bioscience,
August 02, 2023 Read Full Article
RFA Urges EPA to Finalize Approval of Midwest Governors’ E15 RVP Petition
(Renewable Fuels Association) In a letter sent today (August 1, 2023) to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan, the Renewable Fuels Association urged the agency to quickly finalize its regulations accepting the petition of eight Midwest governors that would reduce evaporative emissions and allow summertime
August 02, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden Administration Split over Ethanol's Role in Aviation Fuel Subsidy Program
by Jarrett Renshaw, Stephanie Kelly and Leah Douglas (Reuters) The Biden administration is divided over whether to grant a request from the U.S. biofuel industry that would make it easier for sustainable aviation fuel made from corn-based ethanol to qualify for
August 02, 2023 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: Senate Bill Would Open Door Wider for Flexible-Fuel Vehicles in Emissions Reductions
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate on Monday would provide new incentives for automakers to produce more flexible-fuel vehicles, which are vehicles that can burn any blend of ethanol up to E85. The Flex Fuel
August 01, 2023 Read Full Article
Dr. Joyce’s Legislation to Stop California’s Gas-Powered Vehicle Ban Advances to House Floor
(Office of John Joyce (R-PA 13)) Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), announced that his legislation, H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice for Vehicle Purchases Act, was passed by the Energy and Commerce Committee and will next be considered by the entire U.S.
July 31, 2023 Read Full Article
US Proposes 18% Fuel Economy Increase for New Vehicle Fleet from 2027 through 2032 Public Comment DEADLINE: October 16, 2023
by Tom Krisher (Associated Press) The U.S. government wants to raise the fuel economy of new vehicles 18% by the 2032 model year so the fleet would average about 43.5 miles per gallon in real world driving. The proposed numbers were released
July 31, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA’s RFS Final Rulemaking 2023-25: The Bottom Line
by Jennifer LeRow (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... EPA was faced with a significant challenge, as it was statutorily required to consider numerous factors when using its “set” authority, including the impacts of the program on cost, air and water quality, climate
July 31, 2023 Read Full Article
The False Narrative on Clean Vehicles
by Brian Werner (Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) One of the most overwrought narratives in energy and transportation policy today is the idea that liquid biofuels and Electric Vehicles (EVs) are battling “American Gladiator-style” in a zero-sum game over the future of the
July 28, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden Set to Tighten Fuel-Efficiency Standards for Automakers
by Ari Natter, and David Welch (Bloomberg) The Biden administration is poised to issue a proposal as early as Friday ordering automakers to increase the average fuel economy of their vehicles, according to people familiar with the matter. The proposed rule, expected
July 28, 2023 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Sides with EPA, Calls Out Oil Industry in RFS Case Brief
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuels trade association, filed an amicus brief this week in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in The San Antonio Refinery, LLC, et al. v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The case pertains
July 26, 2023 Read Full Article
New FAA Reauthorization Bill Would Prohibit Removing 100LL From Airports (Corrected)
by Paul Bertorelli (AvWeb) The just-passed House FAA Reauthorization Bill would prevent airports from removing 100LL or offering unleaded fuels in lieu of leaded avgas under penalty of losing airport improvement grants. If the language remains in the Senate version of
July 24, 2023 Read Full Article
World's First Near-Zero Carbon Emission Air & Water Vacuum Excavator Decarbonizing Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines with B100
(Optimus Technologies) Optimus Technologies, a diesel engine decarbonization company focused on the largest and most challenging sectors of the transportation industry, announced today that DC Water (District of Columbia Water Authority) recently took delivery of their first off-the-assembly-line Optimus Technologies/B100 powered vehicle
July 24, 2023 Read Full Article
Proposed Low-Carbon Fertilizer Project Could Benefit Ethanol Producers Public Comment DEADLINE August 11, 2023
(Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on July 7 opened a public comment period on its intent to issue Class VI permits for a carbon capture and storage (CCS) project that would sequester CO2 produced at a proposed fertilizer production facility.
July 24, 2023 Read Full Article
National Renewable Energy Laboratory Releases Assessment of BQ-9000 Biodiesel Properties for 2022
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Data demonstrates high level of quality for BQ-9000 biodiesel users leading to improved specifications for OEM approvals. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released its Assessment of BQ-9000 Biodiesel Properties for 2022 with more data collected than
July 21, 2023 Read Full Article
Lummis Releases Bill to Ease Refineries' Biofuel Costs
by Marc Heller (Politico Pro) The Wyoming Republican proposes a mathematical tweak to the renewable fuel standard, giving small refineries a break on credits they buy to show compliance. -- A Wyoming senator dissatisfied with the renewable fuel standard's treatment
July 20, 2023 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Fuel Testing in Tampa Fleet Demonstrates Cutting-edge Innovation
(CSX) CSX’s culture of collaboration and commitment to sustainability are coming together in a project aimed at certifying alternative fuel use in locomotives. Testing of 20 percent soybean oil-based fuel in a locomotive fleet serving a Tampa, Florida, phosphate customer began in
July 19, 2023 Read Full Article
Advocates Blast EPA Modeling of ICE Vehicle GHG ‘Backsliding’
(Inside EPA) Environmentalists are strongly criticizing EPA modeling suggesting that combustion vehicles’ efficiency will erode under the agency’s light-duty vehicle emissions proposal, findings that are bolstering their calls to strengthen the plan, though the dynamic could also enable less ambitious electric
July 18, 2023 Read Full Article
Energy, Environment, Carbon, Climate, Renewables, EVs….EPA has a Rubiks Cube on their Hands They Don’t Know How to Master.
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) The final “set” rule for the volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard released recently has sent the biofuel world into a tizzy and once again reveals the Administration’s misguided obsession with EVs
July 17, 2023 Read Full Article
Beyond the EV Hype: Embracing Ethanol as a Low-Carbon Fuel Alternative
by Cheri Bustos & Brian West (Real Clear Energy) ... Despite recent polling by the Pew Research Center that found most Americans oppose ending the production of gas-powered vehicles, aggressive new rules by the EPA aim for two-thirds of new passenger cars sold in
July 17, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA Denies Small Refinery Petitions
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) On Friday, EPA announced its decision denying 26 petitions seeking small refinery exemptions (SREs) from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for one or more of the compliance years between 2016 and 2023. Consistent with the April and July 2022
July 17, 2023 Read Full Article
Agri-Pulse Open Mic Interview with Geoff Cooper, Renewable Fuels Association
This week’s Open Mic guest is Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. The Biden administration’s vehicle emissions rulemaking is drawing fire from oil and agriculture industry groups over concerns the rule would be a de-facto ban on internal
July 17, 2023 Read Full Article
The EPA Gets It Right: Expanding America’s Low-Carbon Fuel Landscape
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Real Clear Energy) ... Thankfully, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently took an important step to invest in and expand the adoption of other fuel technologies, like advanced biofuels, when it issued its 2023-2025 Renewable Volume
July 14, 2023 Read Full Article
Green Group Files Lawsuit Challenging EPA Biofuels Rule
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico Pro) The Center for Biological Diversity is again challenging EPA's rule setting biofuel blending requirements in a federal appeals court, arguing the agency failed to comply with the Endangered Species Act. The lawsuit filed Thursday in the the D.C.
July 14, 2023 Read Full Article
Ethanol Advocates: EPA Didn't Consider Other Fuels to Cut Tailpipe Emissions in Cars
by Rebecca Thiel (Indiana Public Media) Several industry groups and state attorneys general oppose the rule and said the EPA didn’t consider the role a number of other technologies could play — like hydrogen fuel cells, hybrids or cars that can
July 14, 2023 Read Full Article
Panel Approves Bills against EV-Friendly Regulations
by Nico Portuondo (Politico Pro E&E Daily) House Energy and Commerce Republicans say the administration's plans for the rapid adoption of electric vehicles needed to be stopped. -- A House Energy and Commerce subcommittee passed three bills Wednesday that, taken together, would
July 13, 2023 Read Full Article
Renewable Diesel’s Uncertain Future
by Jacqueline Holland (Farm Progress) Farmers and the rest of the world want green energy. Is the U.S. government standing in the way? -- Greg Anderson was disheartened when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced 2023-25 biofuel blending volumes in June. The
July 13, 2023 Read Full Article
Ag Policy Blog: USDA Unveils $300M Greenhouse Gas Measurement, Monitoring Plan
by Jerry Hagstrom (DTN Progressive Farmer) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will announce Wednesday that USDA will spend $300 million to improve measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration in climate-smart agriculture and forestry. The money will come from
July 12, 2023 Read Full Article
Sen. Coons Co-sponsors Bill Aimed at Helping Indie Refineries Deal with Costly RIN Ethanol System
(Delaware Business Now) U.S. Sens. Chris Coons, D-DE, and Bob Casey, D-PA, joined with House members in New Jersey and Pennsylvania in sponsoring legislation aimed at dealing with the system for monitoring the refining of ethanol. A coalition of independent refineries, including
July 12, 2023 Read Full Article
Biofuel, Farm, Fuel Marketer Groups Urge Fairness in Tailpipe Emissions Standards
(Renewable Fuels Association) America’s farmers, fuel marketers and retailers, and renewable fuel producers today called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to adopt a market-oriented, technology-neutral approach to transportation decarbonization in its upcoming final tailpipe emissions standards for 2027-2032 light- and
July 11, 2023 Read Full Article
New Report Offers Near-Term Solutions to GHG Emissions
(NACS) Transportation Energy Institute report evaluates low-carbon strategies for the transportation sector. -- Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), while transitioning to zero-tailpipe emissions vehicles (ZEVs), will deliver the greatest environmental benefits in both the near- and
July 10, 2023 Read Full Article
Ag Policy Blog: When It Comes to Fuel, EVs Have All the Answers for Biofuel Critics
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) ... Every now and then I also get to read shots at "flyover country" about ethanol or biofuels in general. That leads to a guest essay published June 6 in the New York Times, "The Climate
July 08, 2023 Read Full Article
US State Attorneys General Clash over EPA Emissions Plan
by David Shepardson (Reuters) A group of 25 Republican state attorneys general on Thursday urged President Joe Biden's administration to abandon plans to sharply cut vehicle tailpipe emissions, while a group of Democratic counterparts from 20 states urged more stringent requirements. The
July 08, 2023 Read Full Article
Presentations Available from CAAFI 2023 2-Day SAF Virtual Conference · June 15-16, 2023
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative) Since 2006, the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) has sought to enhance energy security and environmental sustainability for aviation through the use of alternative jet fuels. CAAFI is a coalition of airlines, aircraft and
June 29, 2023 Read Full Article
Aemetis RNG Production Exceeds Plan by 20% during Q2 2023
(Aemetis) Seven dairy digesters, 40-mile biogas pipeline, centralized Biogas-to-RNG facility, and utility pipeline interconnection are operating 24×7 to deliver RNG for the displacement of petroleum-based fuels in trucks, buses, and cars -- Aemetis, Inc.(NASDAQ: AMTX), a renewable natural gas (RNG) and
June 29, 2023 Read Full Article
Dairy Digester Optimizes Food Waste Feedstocks
by Nora Goldstein (BioCycle Magazine) Narrowing in on liquid and semi-liquid packaged food and beverages yields economic, digester performance and biogas generation benefits at Reinford Farms in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania. Reinford Farms in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania began receiving food waste to add to
June 28, 2023 Read Full Article
Carper, Capito Introduce Bill to Reauthorize the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act
(U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works/EIN Presswire) U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the EPW Committee, along with Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.)
June 26, 2023 Read Full Article
House Energy Sub Committee Hearing on Affordable Fuels
(AgNewsWire) A House Energy and Commerce Sub Committee heard testimony this week on “Driving Affordability: Preserving People’s Freedom to Buy Affordable Vehicles and Fuel” regarding several bills related to lowering emissions from transportation vehicles. National Corn Growers Association CEO Neil Caskey testified in support of several bills
June 26, 2023 Read Full Article
Are Biofuels Bad for the Environment?
by Charles H. Gessner, Neil Caskey, Suzy Friedman and Allen Schaeffer (New York Times) To the Editor: Re “A Climate Solution That’s Bad for the Climate,” by Michael Grunwald (Opinion guest essay, June 12): ... Michael Grunwald, not today’s farmers, seems mired in the “horse-and-buggy
June 26, 2023 Read Full Article
Illinois Gas Stations Have New Incentive to Sell Higher-Blend Ethanol
by Zeta Cross & Kevin Bessler (Illinois Radio Network/Advantage News) Tax incentives for retailers to sell gas with a higher ethanol blend is now law in Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1963 that gives gas stations a 10% sales tax